Microsoft tipped to unveil Chromebook rival on May 2

Posted onApril 24, 2017April 24, 2017

Microsoft is all set to host a special software and hardware event on May 2, and while details are not clear yet, reports of a new leak have emerged. The Redmond-based giant is looking to unveil its Windows 10 Cloud software — a more metered down OS targeted at students made to compete with Google’s Chrome OS. Also, Microsoft is now also expected to launch a device running on previously rumoured Windows 10 Cloud platform, in a race to beat Chromebooks at its own game.

Windows Central has already leaked a screenshot of minimum specifications needed for a device running on Windows 10 Cloud, and they have been compared with Chromebook specifications as well. This demonstrates the ability to compete with Google’s education-focused laptops which will be launching on May 2.

Photo credits: Windowscentral.com

The minimum specification requirements include a quad-core Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32/64GB of storage. Optional pen or touch support is also included. The table also hints that Microsoft is looking to include all-day battery life in the mix so as to attract students.

Early leaks suggest that Windows 10 cloud will only work with Universal Windows Platform apps from the Windows Store, and not all of them. The early build of the simplified and cheaper version of Windows 10 suggested that the new OS did not allow users to install Win32 apps available on the Windows Store through Microsoft’s own Desktop App Converter. However, this are leaks which haven’t been confirmed which Microsoft will put to rest in their event in New York City on May 2.